Prepare For Sunday | September 6th, 2026
True North- D.Now 2026
The theme for D.NOW 2026 is “True North.” This is a navigational term. Imagine you are hiking and you get lost. You get off the path and find yourself wandering, with no idea how to get back to it. This is often what life feels like in this world. We live in a world filled with competing voices and conflicting worldviews. At times, our emotions can mislead us, circumstances can discourage us, and we can even forget who we are in Christ. However, if you can discern “True North,” you can get back on track. To discern “True North,” we must encounter a new way of thinking.
We will emphasize holding onto your identity as you navigate a confusing world.
On Friday night, we will examine the fallen nature of this world, but rest in the fact that we are not alone in it (Romans 8:18-24).
On Saturday morning, we will learn that to discern God's will in our lives, we must first offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, and our minds must be transformed (Romans 12:1-2).
On Saturday evening, we will consider the topic of anxiety, a growing epidemic among young people (Matthew 6:25-34). We will progress to this point by seeing what is true and encountering it with a new way of thinking. Once we learn how to think, we want to rest in the realities of the gospel.
On Sunday morning, D.NOW 2026 will end with a deep dive into the identity of the Christian. Our passage is Jude 1:1. Jude wrote to a specific church in an undisclosed location, challenging them to fight against the false teachers who had crept into their midst. These false teachers enable sin to become more prevalent, and the health of the church is substantially threatened. Jude calls these believers to “contend for the faith” and to protect the purity of the church.
However, before Jude exposes the corruption of the false teachers and challenges these believers to confront the sin and error within their midst, he reminds them who they are. Jude 1:1 is a simple verse, but it is filled with some of the richest gospel realities that are true for believers. We will explore the reality of Jude’s conversion and walk through his synopsis of what a Christian is: called, loved by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.
The Portrait of the Christian, Jude 1:1
Context:
Who is the Author?
Who is the Audience?
What is Happening?
The Christian Identity
Called
Loved
Secure
Discussion Questions - True North
Adults:
What are some of the things that can cause us to “get off the path” and forget who we are in Christ?
If small theological errors can eventually lead to significant compromise within the church, why do you think we are sometimes tempted to ignore or excuse teachings that are “just a little off”? How can we contend for the faith without becoming unnecessarily critical or self-righteous?
Jude describes believers as called, loved, and kept. Which of these three truths do you most need to rest in right now, and why?
How does understanding that you are loved by God the Father challenge your pride and your insecurity? What might it look like to confront sin or error from a posture of knowing you are already loved by God?
In what ways should the gospel shape not only what we believe, but also how we live? Are there any areas where you may be tempted to separate faith from obedience?
Teens:
When you feel confused, where do you naturally look for direction?
Jude describes Christians as people who are “called, loved, and kept.” Which of those three truths is hardest for you to believe about yourself? Why?
Can you think of ways small choices, beliefs, or compromises can gradually pull someone farther away from God?
How does the fact that we are saved by “transforming grace” challenge your current understanding of following Jesus?
What is the difference between knowing that God loves you and actually living like you are loved by God? How might your choices change if you really believed it?
Kids:
If you were lost in the woods, what would you need to help you find your way?
Jude tells us that God loves His children. How does knowing that God loves you change the way you feel when you mess up or have a bad day?
How should knowing that Jesus loves us change the way we treat God and other people?
What are some times when you might feel worried or afraid? How can remembering that God keeps you help you?
What is one way you can remember that you belong to God when you are at school, at home, or with your friends?
Call to Worship | Psalm 25:4-5,8-10 (ESV)
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
